'Tis the Season

As any party animal can attest, the ingredients for a fabulous soirée are good friends, good food and of course, good Fidos.

Written by Brandie Ahlgren | Photography by J. Nichole Smith

Hosting a party that has gone to the dogs can be a good thing, as long as everyone plays well together, is on their best behavior, and minds their manners (this goes for two- and four-legged alike). Keeping plenty of toys and treats on-hand will keep dogs (and their humans) entertained as well as on their best behavior, so you can play the perfect party host. Fortunately, there is no shortage of festive chew toys, mouth watering treats and fun holiday attire to celebrate this season. (Party tip: Introducing new toys versus using your dog’s own toys will help prevent any natural possessiveness.)

TREATS FOR PARTY POOCHESPumpkin Pie Biscuits Yields 30 biscuits
These biscuits are perfect for the holidays and smell just like pumpkin pie.
Use a tree or bone-shaped cookie cutter for added fun.

1. Preheat the oven to 325ºF. 2. Measure the flour, rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and ginger into a mixing bowl. Whisk till combined. 3. Make a well in the flour and add the canola oil. Mix on medium speed using a paddle attachment till crumbly. Add the pumpkin and peanut butter, and stir till combined. 4. Add the water all at once and mix until dough forms and all the ingredients are combined. 5. Turn the dough out onto a slightly floured surface and gently knead until dough is smooth and soft. Roll the dough ¼-inch thick, and cut the biscuits into desired shapes with cookie cutters. 6. Place the biscuits on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake 12–15 minutes until they are dry and firm to the touch. Turn the oven off and leave the biscuits in another 20–30 minutes. Remove them from the oven, cool them on a baking rack, and store them in a cookie tin.

More treats for the dogs, these truffles by Seattle company Petit Four Legs are made of dog-safe carob melted over a crunchy peanut butter cookie and topped with an intricate doggie-design ($15; petitfourlegs.com).

TREATS FOR THE PEEPSFor your human guests, these delightful cupcakes from Trophy Cupcakes and Party can be specially designed to feature your pup’s beautiful mug (trophycupcakes.com).

Round out your holiday cheer with a delicious combination of pomegranate and champagne—a simple, yet elegant cocktail for any festive occasion. For each drink, place a sugar cube in a champagne flute and add two tablespoons of 100% bottled pomegranate juice. Fill the flute the rest of the way with chilled sparkling wine and stir gently.